Live It Articles What’s in your basket?

Easter is a glorious time of Resurrection and new birth. One of the secular symbols of the Easter season is the Easter basket. Each basket comes wrapped and tailor made to the pleasure of the recipient. Baskets were used in the Bible to save and deliver. Moses was saved by a basket and delivered the children of Israel from bondage. Jesus fed the 5000 from baskets. Paul was placed in a basket and reeled down a wall to escape prison or death. Biblical baskets and their contents have radically saved and/or changed lives.

So, let me ask you this question. What’s in your basket this Easter season? How about a piece of exercise equipment? Biblically speaking, it could be the very thing to save your life and deliver you from the prison in which you are living. One of the many questions I am asked about exercise is, “What and how do I buy exercise equipment?” Which brand is best? What is the best value for the money? Let’s take a look at exercise equipment and try to answer these questions.

Bev’s Choice for the budget minded and those that are strapped for space is the big plastic exercise ball and elastic bands. Both the ball and the bands can be bought at Wal-Mart for under $15. The bands are called The Ultimate Gym. Both the ball and the bands come with exercise instructions. The beauty of the elastic bands is that they come in a mesh bag and can go anywhere. When I was on the 14-hour flight to Australia, I carried the bands in my purse. I was able to get a good strength training workout on the plane. The ball and the bands are a great choice to put in any basket.

Guidelines for buying a treadmill: Expensive is not always the best when buying a treadmill. I overheard a local department store sporting goods salesman try to con an overweight woman into buying a very expensive NordicTrack treadmill. It had a state of the art console and looked great, but for $2,000 plus, there were a lot of bells and whistles you would never use. The first thing to look for when buying a treadmill is the horsepower of the motor. You should be looking for a treadmill that has a 2.0 HP motor or better. When I began walking at almost 300 pounds, I had a treadmill that was 1.5 HP. In the beginning it was adequate because I could not move very fast. When my fitness level increased, I was able to go faster, but my treadmill was not powerful enough to go faster with a 250 plus pound woman on it. I bought a 2.0 HP treadmill that would go up to 10 miles per hour and because the motor was powerful enough to pull the belt with me on it, I get an excellent workout. Belt width should be at least 18 inches, and the length of the belt is important if you are tall with a long stride. There is another factor to watch for, particularly if you have knee problems. Check the console to see if it has the incline feature. Look to see if the treadmill is totally flat at the lowest setting of the incline. Most treadmills have an automatic incline switch. This feature will allow you to simulate climbing hills. This is a great feature, although most of the time I don’t want to climb hills. There are also manual treadmills (with no motors). They are inexpensive for sure, but not a good choice. Remember! Simple is best. Preset programs, large consoles, drink and book holders may add to the cost but not to the quality of your workout.

A few name brands to consider Proform Image NordicTrack Reebok *Caution: Never allow a child under the age of 12 to play on or around the treadmill. Remove and hide the computer key when not in use. Other Pieces of Equipment you may want in your basket this Easter: Elliptical Trainers - Manual or electric are good Stationary bikes - manual or electric Recumbent bikes - electric Rowing machines - manual Free Weights

As you begin planning for your special basket of life and deliverance, remember to be a wise shopper. Ask questions about warranties and local servicing. Ask yourself if you are going to use this equipment or if it will be a clothes hanger. Be wise and exercise! You will feel good about yourself and live longer. If you are faithful with your exercise and it becomes a lifestyle, when Easter rolls around this time next year, you’ll be looking good in your Easter Bonnet “with all the frills upon it.”

Beverly Henson
Certified Personal Trainer


Many of you have e-mailed me to ask what event I am training for. I have been doing mountain bike racing and kayaking. I am getting ready for a Paddle, Pedal and Pant Triathlon. That would be a kayak race, then a mountain bike ride, and finally a 5k trail run. These go under the title of adventure races or X-Terra races. Only God can move an almost 300 pound woman from a Lazy Boy recliner to a little seat in a kayak. I actually came in first place a few weeks back in a mountain bike race. I was the oldest woman in the race and even beat two ladies in their 20’s. Just goes to show you when it’s a God thing, you are never too old and it’s never too late.

Beverly Henson is a conference and rally speaker for the First Place ministry. She is also a Bible teacher and certified personal trainer. Beverly joined First Place in July 1997 and has lost 147-1/2 pounds. First Place has given Beverly a powerful testimony. She is a First Place leader and Bible teacher at Northcrest Baptist Church in Meridian, Mississippi. Beverly has a genuine love of proclaiming the word of God to His people.